Communities get green cash

Three Shetland communities are to get a share of £1,494,000 in funding from the Scottish government’s Climate Challenge Fund.

Fair Isle Electricity Group, North­mavine Community Develop­ment Company and the Unst Partner­ship are part of the consortium Com­munity Powerdown, made up of 27 groups in total from across Scotland.

Set up by Community Energy Scotland and the Development Trust Association Scotland, Community Powerdown aims to help small communities tackle climate change through community developments.

It is expected the money will mean 25 new jobs across the entire group. At least three of those are planned for Shetland, according to Shetland, Orkney and Outer Heb­rides manager for Community Energy Scotland Patrick Ross-Smith, who said: “Most communities are looking to create at least a part time post.”

Mr Ross-Smith highlighted the importance of the funding for small communities.

He said: “All of the groups are going to look at their areas and see what can best be addressed in terms of their own models. This is different to a central scheme as the communities work with what is best for their area.”

Mr Ross-Smith explained: “It’s important as the government has recognised the benefit of groups working together.”